Senator Pisciottano and Representative Markosek to Host Informational Real ID Event in Partnership with PennDOT
Rep. Brandon Markosek February 27, 2025
Monroeville, PA, February 27, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) and State Rep. Brandon Markosek (D-Allegheny) today announced an upcoming informational event about Real ID, co-hosted with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in preparation for the upcoming federal enforcement date for Real ID-compliant identification. The event will take place on March 20, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Turtle Creek Borough Building and virtually.
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Turtle Creek Borough Building
125 Monroeville Avenue Turtle Creek, PA 15145
As the enforcement date for the Real ID implementation draws closer, Sen. Pisciottano and Rep. Markosek are committed to helping their constituents navigate the process and understand how to obtain the new ID, which will be required for boarding domestic flights and accessing certain federal facilities starting on May 7, 2025.
“This event is meant to provide our constituents with the information they need to make an informed decision about the Real ID,” said Sen. Pisciottano. “There is still confusion about the Real ID and what the upcoming enforcement date will mean for our constituents. Residents want to know what it is, if it is required, how they can obtain one, and what documents they need to obtain one, among other questions, and this is what we’re here for – Representative Markosek and I want to prepare our constituents with accurate information to decide for themselves.”
The state legislators said the informational event will feature a presentation by PennDOT experts, who will walk attendees through the steps to apply for a Real ID, the documents needed, and the benefits of this enhanced identification. There will also be a question-and-answer session to ensure that residents have the opportunity to get questions answered.
"This REAL ID informational event is a valuable opportunity for our community to get the facts they need about REAL ID requirements with the enforcement date quickly approaching,” said Rep. Markosek. “Through this collaboration with Senator Pisciottano and PennDOT, we’re helping folks understand their options and get their questions answered so that they feel confident in navigating the process.”
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Act aims to improve the security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards by setting federal standards for issuance. The Real ID Act has been rolled out over the past several years, and all states, including Pennsylvania, are now required to offer Real ID-compliant identification. While Pennsylvania residents can still use their standard driver’s licenses for most everyday purposes, a Real ID will be necessary for activities like flying domestically and entering certain federal buildings.
As of May 7, 2025, federal agencies will begin enforcing the Real ID requirement for air travel and access to federal facilities. Without a Real ID or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport, residents will not be able to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities that require identification.
Sen. Pisciottano and Rep. Markosek said that in addition to the in-person location, a virtual option is being
offered for constituents to attend who can’t make it to Turtle Creek on March 20th.
Constituents are encouraged to attend on March 20th to learn how they can prepare to obtain a Real ID ahead of the enforcement date. For more information, or to RSVP, constituents can visit https://pasenatornick.com/event/realid